We would like to shine our
spotlight on a Lead DJ of ours. Meet Derek!
“The success lies within
the person, not the job” is a quote that encapsulates Derek as a person and a
DJ. Derek started DJing at 16. One year later, he DJ’d his first wedding.
The quote he lives by is represented so well by this occurrence. Whether
it was his first wedding at 16 or one of the many weddings, events and
parties he has DJ'd since, he looks at it as a chance to succeed.
Derek bought into a company
while living in Michigan. His life and desire for warm weather brought him to
Charlotte. His dedication was so strong that he drove back and forth to DJ jobs
that had been booked prior to his move. After moving to the area, Derek
met Vinny Esposito and Joe Verde at a 5K event. He introduced himself and soon became
part of the Split Second family. Derek loved the fact that Split Second had
such a large staff. He says, “With a large staff, you’re exposed to more ideas
and different styles.” He likes that the company has the security
blanket to be versatile and match the DJs to the right clients and vice versa.
Being from Michigan,
Derek did not know what beach music was. Moving to Charlotte proved to be
enlightening. Living in a melting pot area such as Charlotte is very much like what
one might experience while DJing. Derek reminisces on all of the different
types of people he has been able to meet, cultures he has been able to learn,
and unique weddings... read more »

We would like to shine a spotlight on one of our
DJs, Dennis.
Dennis is no stranger to the DJ world. Originally
from New Jersey, he started in the business 15 years ago. He was always
known as “the guy who handled the music”. He began working at a DJ company, but
quickly realized he could not be a part of the company due to the lack of
professionalism. After catching the company lying to customers, he
decided to start his own company. Dennis and his family moved to Charlotte
searching for better weather and a more laid back life style. He used his
background in sales and marketing to promote his DJ company. He quickly noticed
he was continuously trying to undercut a company called Split Second Sound to
be competitive. At this point, he had linked up with Steve Bradle, who
eventually became a part of our staff as well.
Dennis recalls the weekend the Cowboys and Panthers
played each other in the Playoffs 7 years ago, he met Vinny. Steve and Dennis
decided to check out a local Bridal Show. They met Vinny, and you could say
“The rest is history.” Dennis set up a few times to meet with Vinny, and their
visions aligned. Dennis not only wanted to jump on board as a DJ, but he
eventually bought into the company.
Dennis has been fortunate enough to have two
careers. He DJs for his love of the atmosphere. We asked him to give us an
example, and he described DJing at the City Club. He said, “You are surrounded
by the city lights, a positive atmosphere and... read more »

We are shining our
spotlight on Karen Greenoe, founder and Senior Designer at Lily Greenthumbs!
You may hear a
hairdresser complain about everyone asking her for hair advice when she is not
working or a chef complaining about having to cook when they are off the clock
but that is not the case for Karen. Her husband might not buy her flowers for
special occasions but that is simply because she prefers chocolate. Karen
turned a thought into a reality that has blossomed tremendously since coming to
fruition. Nine years ago, Karen left corporate America and took with her, her
experience in planning, catering and hotel management and combined that
experience to bring beauty to all kinds of events, in and around Charlotte. She
was not sure how she was going to utilize her eye for design but once she
thought, “flowers” it all made sense. With the support of her husband, she
opened a small shop in Matthews. The support and business was
overwhelming. 3 years later, Karen and her
team moved to a more accommodating location, in South End.
Blessed with an
incredible team of designers, Karen and Lily Greenthumbs provide
flowers for an array of events from weddings to Panther events. Karen loves
creating. She not only loves creating but creating bigger and bigger. She has a
reputation for “going all out”. Leaving clients, guests, photographers with
beautiful, unique creations. We have heard brides say that they truly felt like
they were Karen’s only client, even knowing she had multiple jobs going on.
That personal touch is exactly why we love her and her work!
Karen has a way of
curating the “wow” factor... read more »

We are shining our
spotlight on Karen Greenoe, founder and Senior Designer at Lily Greenthumbs!
You may hear a
hairdresser complain about everyone asking her for hair advice when she is not
working or a chef complaining about having to cook when they are off the clock
but that is not the case for Karen. Her husband might not buy her flowers for
special occasions but that is simply because she prefers chocolate. Karen
turned a thought into a reality that has blossomed tremendously since coming to
fruition. Nine years ago, Karen left corporate America and took with her, her
experience in planning, catering and hotel management and combined that
experience to bring beauty to all kinds of events, in and around Charlotte. She
was not sure how she was going to utilize her eye for design but once she
thought, “flowers” it all made sense. With the support of her husband, she
opened a small shop in Matthews. The support and business was
overwhelming. 3 years later, Karen and her
team moved to a more accommodating location, in South End.
Blessed with an
incredible team of designers, Karen and Lily Greenthumbs provide
flowers for an array of events from weddings to Panther events. Karen loves
creating. She not only loves creating but creating bigger and bigger. She has a
reputation for “going all out”. Leaving clients, guests, photographers with
beautiful, unique creations. We have heard brides say that they truly felt like
they were Karen’s only client, even knowing she had multiple jobs going on.
That personal touch is exactly why we love her and her work!
Karen has a way of
curating the “wow” factor... read more »

We are shining our spotlight on one
of our Emcees, Rashaad!
Rashaad, by no means, is your
typical MC. Rashaad has a way of captivating a crowd and curating a high-octane
atmosphere while maintaining a professional demeanor. If you have read any of
our other blogs, most of our DJ/MCs have vast experience with music and DJing.
Rashaad came to Split Second wrapped a little differently. Vinny and Diane were
out to eat one evening, over ten years ago. As they waited for their order to
be called, they were impressed with the employee on the mic. He had a charisma
and an entertaining way of announcing the orders. When their order was ready,
already paying this employee attention, Rashaad announced their order by
saying, “Yo- My cousin Vinny, your order is ready”. After that, they wanted to
learn more about this natural entertainer. I guess you could say the rest was
history, because he has been with Split Second ever since. We consider Rashaad
a part of our family!
Rashaad is often paired with one of
our DJ’s that is more of a DJ and less of an MC which makes a powerful pair for
rocking weddings, parties, and corporate events. Rashaad is a wonderful mix of
humor and personality... read more »

We would like to shine a vendor spotlight on one of
Charlotte’s favorite wedding planners!
Erica Stawick’s relationship with Split Second Sound began
before the wedding planning started. Well, before she officially became a
wedding planner. Nine years ago, Erica met with Vinny and Diane at their home
office to discuss DJ services for her own wedding. Her and her fiancé moved
forward with booking Vinny for their wedding. The wedding went supremely and
Erica was 100% pleased with the way the wedding went and Vinny’s help in
running the show!
As cliché as it may be, Erica fell in love with the
industry, after planning her own wedding. Although, she had a wedding planner
for her own wedding, she loved the process of planning and pulling off the day.
After her wedding was over, she found herself missing it. Starting with
encouragement from friends and her new husband, she decided to give this whole
wedding planning a second round. She started by helping her friend plan her
wedding that was six months after her own and then booking her first paid
client a year after that. 8 years later and she is continuing to book clients
and one of our favorite planners to work with. It just so happened that the
second wedding Erica worked, Vinny was the DJ. Erica describes that experience
as being greatly enhanced because of the help that Vinny provided to her being
a “newbie”.
Erica has a strict relationship with Starbucks and their
lattes, but that is not the only relationship that drives her. She is driven by
the relationships she has curated with... read more »

Jim DeMint is quoted saying, “One of
the greatest titles in the world is ‘parent’, and one of the biggest blessings
in the world is to have parents to call mom and dad”. Our spotlight of the
week, shines on Anthony Esposito.
Anthony was born in New York but was
raised in Illinois. His family lived in Charlotte since 1999 and in January of
2013 he took a leap of faith and took his talents to the Queen City. Here at Split Second, we are
grateful he did! Although his family had been in the music business since he
could remember, he did not want to work with Split Second Sound when he first
moved to Charlotte. He did not want to come here and have everything handed to
him. After several months of establishing himself, Vinny mentioned to him how
much he would love working with the team. Ever since his parents could remember, Anthony had always been such a
warm hearted people person, wanting to please everyone all the time. Anyone who
met Anthony also recognized his awesome OCD ways of being organized and
methodical. They knew he would be a perfect DJ and MC. Vinny
started Anthony off slow and he began where everyone else starts. Since then,
he has worked hard and earned his spot.
Anthony is not only one of our lead
DJ’s but he is the son of Vinny Esposito. Having that title does not mean his
employment at Split Second Sound has been a cake walk. Despite the
misconception that “the boss’s son has it easier” Anthony has worked just as
hard, if not harder,... read more »

Jim DeMint is quoted saying, “One of
the greatest titles in the world is ‘parent’, and one of the biggest blessings
in the world is to have parents to call mom and dad”. Our spotlight of the
week, shines on Anthony Esposito.
Anthony was born in New York but was
raised in Illinois. His family lived in Charlotte since 1999 and in January of
2013 he took a leap of faith and took his talents to the Queen City. Here at Split Second, we are
grateful he did! Although his family had been in the music business since he
could remember, he did not want to work with Split Second Sound when he first
moved to Charlotte. He did not want to come here and have everything handed to
him. After several months of establishing himself, Vinny mentioned to him how
much he would love working with the team. Ever since his parents could remember, Anthony had always been such a
warm hearted people person, wanting to please everyone all the time. Anyone who
met Anthony also recognized his awesome OCD ways of being organized and
methodical. They knew he would be a perfect DJ and MC. Vinny
started Anthony off slow and he began where everyone else starts. Since then,
he has worked hard and earned his spot.
Anthony is not only one of our lead
DJ’s but he is the son of Vinny Esposito. Having that title does not mean his
employment at Split Second Sound has been a cake walk. Despite the
misconception that “the boss’s son has it easier” Anthony has worked just as
hard, if not harder,... read more »

It all started at Kiss 95.1 where Jonny was working on-air as
Jonny Tango. There Jonny explored his love for music and the craft of “cracking
the mic”, just months after graduating from UNC Chapel Hill. One day Jonny’s producer
was discussing his weekend plans, which included DJ’ing a wedding with Split
Second Sound.
Intrigued, Jonny contacted Vinny, shadowed him on a job at the
Speedway Club and the rest is history. Jonny’s attention to detail and work
ethic helped him to quickly rise to become a Deluxe Lead DJ, as he continues to
deliver incredible experiences from weddings to corporate events. His reviews,
talent and relationship with clients speak for themselves.
Jonny’s take on preparation is pretty simple:
“When it comes to
anything ‘live’ we have one chance to get things right, so I want to make sure
that I’ve done everything possible to make our performances as close to
perfection as possible.”
Jonny is all about the prep work, and as an inspiration he
refers to a quote from Conan O'Brien:
“Prepare like crazy. But then just as you're heading out, half
an hour beforehand, forget all of it. Go out but feel loose enough to grab
opportunities as they come up. Don't just stick to the plan if you see an
opportunity.”
If you have ever worked with Jonny or seen him in action, you
will know how serious he is about his craft. Jonny's diligence in the
preparation for his jobs and life, in general, have given him an outstanding
reputation. Jonny is intentional with his preparation, whether it is a wedding
or a corporate event. He begins his process... read more »

Growing up, you may have asked your parents for money at the
mall to use the photo booth. I think it is safe to say that most teenagers had
a photo booth print, with all their best friends. There is a deep history
behind photo booths that dates back to the 1920s, that includes different
concepts that laid the ground work for the growing trend that is utilized
today. Within the past 10 years, photo booths have become a, “must have” at
weddings. Charlotte’s leading photo booth rental company is ShutterBooth. Art,
the owner of ShutterBooth Charlotte and Asheville, is one of our favorite
vendors to work with. We have paired with Art and he has created two packages
for Split Second Sound clients.
One of Art’s favorite quotes is by George Patton. George
said, “Always do more than is required of you.” This quote is exactly what Art
and his staff bring to the industry. It is also, the mentality of Split Second
Sound. The similarity paved the pavement for when Art and Vinny met at Art’s
first NACE meeting, in early 2009. Both businesses are very similar when it
comes to the high quality of customer service both companies are required to
deliver. Both companies provide a key piece of entertainment to special events.
New to the industry, Art began to see a pattern at events; Split Second Sound
provided the music and entertainment for over 50% of those events. Thus,
creating a great mutual relationship. Art is the first person we recommend when
we have a client interested in photo booths and Art treats us the... read more »

Growing up, you may have asked your parents for money at the
mall to use the photo booth. I think it is safe to say that most teenagers had
a photo booth print, with all their best friends. There is a deep history
behind photo booths that dates back to the 1920s, that includes different
concepts that laid the ground work for the growing trend that is utilized
today. Within the past 10 years, photo booths have become a, “must have” at
weddings. Charlotte’s leading photo booth rental company is ShutterBooth. Art,
the owner of ShutterBooth Charlotte and Asheville, is one of our favorite
vendors to work with. We have paired with Art and he has created two packages
for Split Second Sound clients.
One of Art’s favorite quotes is by George Patton. George
said, “Always do more than is required of you.” This quote is exactly what Art
and his staff bring to the industry. It is also, the mentality of Split Second
Sound. The similarity paved the pavement for when Art and Vinny met at Art’s
first NACE meeting, in early 2009. Both businesses are very similar when it
comes to the high quality of customer service both companies are required to
deliver. Both companies provide a key piece of entertainment to special events.
New to the industry, Art began to see a pattern at events; Split Second Sound
provided the music and entertainment for over 50% of those events. Thus,
creating a great mutual relationship. Art is the first person we recommend when
we have a client interested in photo booths and Art treats us the... read more »

This week’s Spotlight is shining on one of our most
requested and talented DJs, LeVar! He has been with Split Second since 2006.
Learn more about what makes him one of the, “Legends” here, at Split Second!
LeVar did not just wake up one morning and decide he wanted
to DJ. His love for music has been evident since the age of nine. He began
taking a strong interest in the songwriting process and the development of
music from the studio to the performance. Some of the best advice he has been
given is, “Treat your mind like a sponge and allow it to soak up as much
knowledge as possible. Once you stop learning, you’ll cease to grow.” These
wise words are not only a piece of advice he has heard but a practice he applies
to his life daily. Learning music, at a young age, allowed him to develop his
knowledge of the music industry. He began playing the trumpet which was his
gateway into the music world. He started DJing more when he was asked to DJ a
Sweet 16 party, while he was in college. That lead to him starting to DJ around
Winthrop where he was attending college.
After graduating, in 2006, he crossed paths with one of
Split’s first DJ’s, Neil. Neil introduced LeVar to Vinny and the team and after
shadowing an event, LeVar became one of the most important puzzle pieces.
Although studio work has always and continues to be a passion of LeVar’s, DJing
has been the most rewarding and has taken off the most. He has had the
opportunities... read more »

We have had the pleasure of working with Julie Staley and
Old South Studios for quite some time now. We have pictures, we have displayed
in the Split Second office, as a matter of fact. We always know the wedding
will flow exceptionally when we are working with any of Julie’s crews. David
Alan Harvey once said, “Don’t shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels
like.” Let me share a bit of what makes this company such a testament to what
Mr. Harvey said.
Julie
founded Old South Studios in 2010 after leaving Corporate America to be more
available to her own family. Her husband, Andrew, left his full-time job as
well in 2012 to join her in launching the business. It was a tremendous
risk but they were committed to building the biggest, most efficient
photography studio in Charlotte. They invested three years into developing an
efficient system based on fast communication, outstanding photography and
speedy post-production/delivery. Soon, brides were referring so many
friends, it was obvious they needed to hire more employees.
In 2013, the company expanded beyond just Julie. This is the
exact reason she did not name her company after herself. She had a vision that
expounded beyond just her. Since the expansion, Julie and her team have become
the biggest and busiest photographers, in the Charlotte area. They are shooting
over 60 weddings a year. There are ten team members with 5 lead photographers.
What you may not know about Old South Studios is that Julie’s vision of family
is something she wanted to incorporate into her business. Having known many
great photographers who, “just... read more »

We would like to start the week
off by highlighting our full-time DJ, Mike!
Mike started his DJ career
working house parties, at just 14 years old. Within a few years, he
started spinning in clubs and learned the art of mixing. In the early
90’s, he transitioned into a full-fledged DJ/MC starting his own company
working the metro NY/NJ area for events from Weddings and Proms to Bar/Bat
Mitzvahs. He quickly became one of the most sought after DJ/MCs in the
metro NY area.
In 2013, Mike, his wife and 3
boys relocated to North Carolina where he joined the Split Second team. Mike
called Vinny per Cassidy from Kiss 95.1’s recommendation. He went through the
usual interview process but immediately hit it off with Vinny and the team.
Implementing protocol, Mike and all his experience, had to work his way up. He
started as an assistant but worked his way up, quickly! Having Mike as a
full-time DJ provides Split Second Sound with a variety of advantages. It
allows us to provide entertainment on short notice. Mike has proved himself to
be versatile, which allows us to send him on jobs with a certain piece of mind.
Mike's interest and knowledge of
music spans all genres. With over 25 years of DJ experience under his
belt, his detail-oriented work style and the ability to read crowds makes Mike
so versatile and has earned him the outstanding reviews and reputation that he
has. We have planners that have their clients request Mike because of how
pleased they are when he works with them. Mike is always striving to be better
because he believes you... read more »

When you are a part of the Wedding
Industry, you attend a lot of weddings. There are very few weekends, if any,
that we are not participating in the celebration of marriage. We believe that
music is a language of love and because of the love Split Second Sound holds
for music we are a perfect match for those choosing a day to illuminate the
joining of two worlds.
It is not, however, every day that we
provide entertainment for one of our employee’s wedding. Neil is not only one
of our DJ’s but his, now wife, is the Assistant Director of Special Events at
one of our favorite venues, Ballantyne Country Club. She works alongside much
of the same planners, vendors and clients we work with. She has worked hard to
earn the opportunity to work for a variety of events, ranging from assisting
with the DNC to weddings and corporate events. Both with an incredible
understanding of what all goes into a wedding; both with high expectations of
the hired vendors that they often work side by side with.
Here is a glimpse into a wedding of a
couple who are usually running around during the weddings they work, not the
ones walking down the aisle.
It all started... read more »

For our featured “Wedding Wednesday”
blog, we are shining the spotlight on someone who is known for staying out of
the spotlight on the day of a wedding but shines in the wedding industry. We
always smile when we see that our newly-engaged couple are working with Lisa.
With her referrals we know we will have the pleasure of providing the
entertainment for a wedding that will run flawlessly. Allow me to shine a
spotlight on her.
Lisa Pleasant has been planning weddings for quite a while now;
that is fact. If you knew Lisa in middle or high school, you may say she has
been preparing to become a planner since then. Unlike most middle schoolers you
may know, she would carefully create a timeline of the duration and the order
of her homework (for example, History chapters 5-6 from 4:51 p.m. to 5:12 p.m.). With the obvious analytical
mind she has, it should not come as a surprise that she has a background in
mathematical finance. Although she enjoyed the logistics of it all, she fell by
chance into the club promotions and planning business and found that it was a
perfect fit.
Later, her brother reached out to her about planning his wedding
and she gladly accepted the challenge. She has obviously turned that into a
career. The challenges that weddings pose from the planning and dealing with
families, vendors, etc., provide a complicated and challenging outlet. She
utilizes her logistical strengths, even using an architectural program to come
up with the floor plans. Although she does plan other events, weddings are 95
percent of her clients. Her lust for life,... read more »

We would like to shine a spotlight
on Jennifer Weintraub, this week. If you’re from the Metro Detroit area, you
may have heard her name. She began working for her best friend and best
friend’s brother as a party motivator; working her way up to one of the most
requested female DJs, in the Detroit
area. She made a huge splash when she became one of the first female MCs to make her way into the Bar and Bat
Mitzvah scene. After moving to Charlotte and settling down with her two awesome
boys, she began planning Mitzvahs, in the area. She is also, an avid blogger
and writer. Check her out here - www.thetruthhurvitz.com
Look for her
book dropping next spring; it is sure to provide you with humor and insight. We
admire Jennifer and the work she does within her community. Most recently, she
is chairing the Blue Jeans and
Bow Tie Gala for Autism Speaks, which is dear to
her heart. Her son, Jonah, has Asperger’s. Although life has thrown her a few
curveballs, she has a way of rising with humor and the love she shares with her
family and for life.
Our relationship began to blossom
after her attending a Mitzvah at Temple Bethel where Split Second Sound was
hosting and entertaining; Jennifer was sold. Her thoughts were, “This is
what a Mitzvah is supposed to look like.” We
accept that thought as one of the biggest compliments. Jennifer has hosted over
400 Mitzvahs, in her career. That is like singing karaoke where Christina
Aguilera is in attendance and comes up to compliment you after your
performance.
She went further with her compliment
and hired us... read more »

We are shining a spotlight upon one of our most talented DJ
Assistants and party motivators that we have in the Split Second Family.
Julian is half Dominican and half Caucasian. He is often
complimented about his maturity despite his age. He is well-traveled. Julian is
a Carolina Panthers fan. Julian is a phenomenal dancer and without a doubt, a
people pleaser. He is a business school student by day. He owns a Rottweiler
named Apollo and a pot belly pig named Nala.
These are just a few of the ways one might describe Julian.
His ultimate goal is to be described as a hero. This desire stems from being
bullied at a young age. Due to health issues, Julian was bullied. One day a boy
in his class stood up for him. Since that day, Julian made it a goal to make
this world a better place. Seeing his stacks and stacks of awards for being an
outstanding student, may prove that he followed through with that promise to
himself. If that doesn’t convince you, the two- year scholarship to SPCC he was
nominated for because of his outstanding character, might.
Julian comes to Split Second Sound through his older
brother, Eric, in 2009. Eric is one of our DJs and knew that Julian would be a
great fit. So at, age 14, Julian began working for us. He is a natural party
motivator and dancer. His mom was who influenced him to be a dancer. Julian is
fluent in salsa, bachata, merengue dances. He has been practicing Capoeira, a
Brazilian martial art that looks a... read more »

If you know anything about Split Second Sound, you
probably know something about Queen City Catering. If you have every worked
with Andrew at Queen City Catering, you have probably heard about Vinny, the owner
of Split Second Sound. It probably comes to no surprise that we would like to
take the time to shine a spotlight on Queen City Catering. As a young
entrepreneur, Andrew even reached out to Vinny for advice about his new
business and the industry he was diving head first in – Vinny told him, “It is
easy to move up the ladder but it is not easy to stay there. You must always be
5 years ahead.” A friendship and a mutual appreciation for the others passion,
perspective and work ethic blossomed. Events that both companies have the
pleasure of working, seem to almost flow better because of that relationship
and communication.
Allow me to share a few glimpses into Andrew’s journey
and the foundation of what is now Queen City Catering.
Andrew began working in the restaurant industry at
just, 14 years old. At 16, although he was mowing lawns, his father told him
that to own a car he needed a, “real job”. Thus begins his journey. He began
working for a restaurant, in the kitchen. He managed to work his way up the
ladder. Pairing his analytical mind with his infectious personality,
experience, willingness to learn, and appreciation for the industry, Andrew was
tasked to go from restaurant to restaurant and improve their business. He was
to improve the catering business and the overall flow and customer service end
of the restaurants within... read more »

If you know anything about Split Second Sound, you
probably know something about Queen City Catering. If you have every worked
with Andrew at Queen City Catering, you have probably heard about Vinny, the owner
of Split Second Sound. It probably comes to no surprise that we would like to
take the time to shine a spotlight on Queen City Catering. As a young
entrepreneur, Andrew even reached out to Vinny for advice about his new
business and the industry he was diving head first in – Vinny told him, “It is
easy to move up the ladder but it is not easy to stay there. You must always be
5 years ahead.” A friendship and a mutual appreciation for the others passion,
perspective and work ethic blossomed. Events that both companies have the
pleasure of working, seem to almost flow better because of that relationship
and communication.
Allow me to share a few glimpses into Andrew’s journey
and the foundation of what is now Queen City Catering.
Andrew began working in the restaurant industry at
just, 14 years old. At 16, although he was mowing lawns, his father told him
that to own a car he needed a, “real job”. Thus begins his journey. He began
working for a restaurant, in the kitchen. He managed to work his way up the
ladder. Pairing his analytical mind with his infectious personality,
experience, willingness to learn, and appreciation for the industry, Andrew was
tasked to go from restaurant to restaurant and improve their business. He was
to improve the catering business and the overall flow and customer service end
of the restaurants within... read more »

There is a Turkish proverb that reads, “No road is long with good company”. Throughout Split Second Sound’s
18 years, in Charlotte, we have been down many roads and the time has flown
because of the company that we have had the pleasure of keeping. It is the
ultimate compliment to have repeat clients; second to that is having other
vendors recommend us because of the quality of our company. In an attempt to
show our appreciation for everything our vendors do, we would like to spotlight
a planner who has become a regular name around Split Second Sound.
Allow me to introduce you to Kelly Martin, from Head Over Heels
Events.
As cliché as it sounds, Kelly began planning her own personal
events and realized that she had a “knack” for it. Her grandmother had always
told her, “Don’t worry about failures. Worry about the chances you miss when
you don’t even try.” With those words backing her, she decided to dive head
first into the planning industry. She started a company called BASH Event
Planning. She also, started doing event planning for a large entertainment
company, in Atlanta. In 2010, she made the move to her beloved Union County
community and immediately became a lead planner for Head Over Heels Events.
Kelly, not only has 13 years of planning experience but comes
backed with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in
Professional Counseling. This gives her an upper hand in such a competitive,
high stress, detail oriented and intricate industry. Her experience enables her
to adjust to unexpected obstacles that have the opportunity to present
themselves. Prior... read more »

Eric
J. is our featured DJ of the week. We have been shining a “Spotlight” on
different DJs. The term “Spotlight” might not be appropriate, this week. Here
is why –
Eric
J. came to Split Second Sound with 23 years of experience. He is from Boston
and spent time in Richmond, Virginia, before moving to Charlotte. Now with 30
years under his turntables, if you will, he is a very loyal and powerful asset
to the company. His love and passion for music, DJing, blending music grew from
a young age.When he attended
college he met some guys from the college radio station. One guy became
his mentor and taught him how to mix, count BPMs, how to organize his crates of
records, and what equipment to buy. Eric’s mentor was an upperclassman. Once he
graduated, Eric took over the college radio mix show, called “Fresh Beats”.
This lead to him eventually working college parties, faculty events and
weddings. His passion has not wavered since college.
... read more »

Stevie
Wonder once said, “Music is a world within itself, it is a language we all
understand.”
This
week at Split Second Sound, we have been updating the bios of our DJs. We do
this periodically because as a company, we are constantly evolving and growing.
It is our pleasure to update the bios of our DJs because it doesn’t mean that
we have a hard time keeping DJs; quite the opposite. Our DJs have been with our
company so long that their families may have grown, their careers may have
changed, or they may have improved in certain areas of DJing. While putting the
information together, the office staff discussed how all of the DJs emphasized
their passion, love, and appreciation for music, in all capacities.
What
you may not know is that our DJs are not all cut from the same cloth. We have
ages that range from 23 years old to 50 years old. We have DJs from all over
the United States with a plethora of diverse backgrounds and experiences. I
think this is a prime example of exactly what Stevie Wonder was trying to
convey. All the DJs were asked what makes Split Second Sound ideal to work
with; Family was a common denominator to ALL of their answers. Vinny and Diane
have brought together DJs with various backgrounds, which gives SSS an upper
hand. We are able to offer DJs, perfect for all events, ranging from
traditional weddings, fusion weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, bilingual
weddings, charity events for various platforms, parties for elementary school
age, or 60th anniversary
parties.
Feel
free to peruse the bios on our site ( www.splitsecondsound.com ),... read more »

The
DJ that we would like to Spotlight this week is our very own Mike Glass. If you
know Mike, you know that his favorite thing is to be out with friends having a
good time – “Where The Party At” by Jagged Edge would sum up Mike’s
appreciation for celebrating the moment in all capacities.
Mike
or The
Professor, is one of our most versatile DJs. To understand why, you
will have to meet the man behind the DJ booth. It is my pleasure to introduce
another member of the Split Second Family.
Born
in Chicago but raised in Pittsburg, Mike has always been interested in music.
He played the guitar, piano, and saxophone. His older brother desired to become
a DJ and like little brothers often do, Mike followed in his footsteps. He
learned quickly, in the DJ world, to keep trying and never give up. Mike has a
passion for people. It is evident when he is behind the DJ booth or in the
classroom, where he has been a teacher for over 13 years. Mike is continuously
striving to be better. He is motivated by his passion for music, his love for
teaching, but mostly his family. He is the father of 3 boys and a little girl.
If that doesn’t melt your heart, his involvement in community service through
his fraternity (Alpha Phi Alpha), directing church choirs in several states and
teaching the youth of America just might. His background in music and his
experience working with people of all backgrounds and ages makes him an asset
to our DJ family.
Mike
brings his big smile and a party for... read more »

Split Second Sound has the
privilege of DJing at the VIP Lounge at the PNC Pavilion. Our goal is to
provide music to get the crowd ready for the concert and to be there when the
show is over to keep the party going. Papa V and Mama D decided this would be a
good opportunity to take the office staff along and hear Mike DJ and treat the
staff to hear Zac Brown Band.
Being New Yorkers, the office
staff had been giving Vinny and Diane a hard time about going to a country
concert. PNC Pavilion as the host, the group we had, Zac Brown Band’s
performance paired with the big Carolina sunset as the backdrop, they could not
have had a better experience. One of the highlights was when the band brought
an adorable handicap girl on stage to sing the beginning of “Colder Weather”.
Which happened to be an appropriate song because the whole staff had chills.
From listening to Mike N. DJ the
VIP lounge, getting to know the office staff and their wives a little better,
laughing at each other and the dancing old man, in the crowd, and of course
the incredible show; it is a unanimous decision that there will be more of
these outings. ... read more »

Split Second Sound would like to put a Spotlight on our lead DJ, Jonah. The only thing reading won’t show you about Jonah is his infectious personality and the natural talent that he exudes. His popularity, not only speaks volumes of the talent he possesses, but the person he proves to be. We trust that you will enjoy reading his thoughtful and passionate answers, as much as we did. Let me introduce you to Jonah..Give me a little bit of your background (where you're from, siblings, sports teams, etc.)I'm originally from Georgia, but I lived out in Colorado for a few years back in the '90s. I grew up as the middle child between a sister who was two years older, and a brother just three and a half years younger than me. We were all home-schooled up until around high school. My sister passed rather suddenly from a rare type of cancer in 2010. Mom and us had somewhat recently lost Dad to cancer in 2008. My brother currently protects our coast as a member of the United States Coast Guard. As far as sports go, growing up I remember Braves games in Atlanta, Avalanche and Broncos games in Colorado, and Hornets and Panthers game here. Sports really are just a pastime for me; I enjoy watching, but other things take much greater priority in my life. Some free time is spent shooting pool, reading things that interest me, scouring the vast landscape of music to find things that I like or would be good for events,... read more »

Wine
enthusiasts have spent years perfecting the ability to pair wine with a
particular dish. If you have begun your wedding journey, more than likely you
have spent time tasting wine or different dishes. After diving into the wedding
pool, you may not want to spit that wine out at the next tasting. When you're
delegated the task of deciding wine for whatever occasion you must understand
that the flavors that are naturally found in wine - sweet, tart, bitter - are
all altered depending on the flavors and ingredients in the meals presented.
This pairing process can be delicate when wine and food are the highlight of an
event.
During your
wedding day, your music is comparable to finding the perfect wine to go with your
meal. The entertainment aspect will be what people will remember most. Like the
wine pairing, you may take a friend’s advice but is that the wine that will
most likely, "wow" the guests or is it a unique taste that your
friend is fond of? It is very important for your music (or wine) to fit best
with what you envision for your wedding; it is YOURS after all.
At Split
Second Sound (www.splitsecondsound.com)
we offer a variety to fit multiple ‘palate's’, if you will. Clients and DJs
come in all flavors. As great as both the DJ and the clients may be, they
aren't always the best fit for... read more »

This week was a special week for Split Second Sound as we
hosted the National Association for Catering Events (NACE), Charlotte Chapter,
in our home offices. NACE is the oldest and largest professional
association that addresses all aspects of the catering industry. Through the
collective efforts of members, local chapters, committees and the Foundation of
NACE, NACE is at the forefront of the issues that directly affects you and your
business.
Owner of Split Second Sound, Vinny Esposito is an executive
board member and has been a part of NACE for over 11 years. Vinny recently won
the ‘Mary Margaret Traxler Award’ for outstanding support of the NACE
organization. Because of receiving this
very special award, he has the honor of attending the “NACE Experience” in
sunny Arizona.
This week the NACE chapter met at Split Second Sound to
engage with new members. This was the new member orientation event that shows
the behind the scenes benefits of NACE so that professionals in our business
understand how to work the system. When asked about the event, Vinny stated, “I
really enjoy hosting these events at Split Second Sound because NACE has been a
common thread for success for our business. I want to give back in any way
possible.”
Look for additional blogs from Split Second Sound!
... read more »

Split
Second Sound's trip to the bar and nightclub scene was a success! Saturday
nights on Montford Drive always prove a festive atmosphere at the many local bars -- and Maverick Rock Taco was no exception.
Open format party music was pumping on the bar's sound system as well as
my speaker inside and provided a great soundtrack for the evening's
celebrations. A young hip crowd was tapping their feet and having a good time
while management was seen to be singing along with the well known top 40 and
throwback party hits. Special guest Diane Esposito, owner of Split Second
Sound was even in attendance to enjoy the festivities! ~ via #SplitDJMichael... read more »

While many DJs offer additional lighting and other services as ‘add-ons’ for their DJ service packages, there is a recent trend to be aware of for any party host – the “all-in-one DJ”. It may sound like a great option to hire your photographer, videographer, photo booth, and DJ from the same company but unfortunately, the results don’t usually turn out how you hope.
Most reputable companies will be known for their specialty which should be hosting a great event and throwing an amazing party on the dance floor!
Photo via Katy Cook
When researching potential vendors for any type of event, locate those vendors with specialties and hire them for only that service. Popular vendors often work on their ‘craft’ for years in order to come recommended by others. Be sure to trust the opinion of other vendors for recommendations as opposed to hiring one vendor to cover all the services you will need. By doing your research, you will protect yourself and your event from being disappointed.... read more »

Split Second Sound is known for two things: Game Day & Event DJs to the Carolina Panthers and being Charlotte’s Premier Private Event Entertainment Company. While most people associate the latter title with weddings, the SSS staff is involved in so much more!
As the new school year starts so does another one of our favorite times: school dance season. Being Charlotte Mecklenberg School approved, we are happy to be the primary DJ for many schools throughout the area. SSS has DJs working throughout the week which makes us readily available for a school day dance party!
Featuring party motivators, TVs for live video feeds or photo montages, uplighting and more, Split Second Sound will get the dance floor packed for any school.
... read more »

Recently, one of Split Second Sound’s DJs took the covers of Carolina Bride (yes, both of them)! DJ LeVar ‘Mista LG’ Gladden wasn’t featured by name but two of his brides were. We love seeing our brides throughout Carolina Bride magazine in each release but this is the first time where the same DJ had two different brides making appearances on both the front and back covers of the same issue!
LeVar’s April 26th bride, Veronica Acut (now Getz) was featured on the front cover wearing a stunning Vera Wang gown. Inside the magazine, we can read all about Veronica and her groom, Chip’s beautiful reception which took place at Mint Museum Uptown. Other vendors included some of our favorites: Ashley at Graceful Host, Lindsay Reagan Thorne at Be Pretty and Jeremy Igo!
On the back cover of the magazine, Indigo photography featured LeVar’s upcoming September 20th bride and groom, Jenna Bertram and Adam Nygaard in an up close and personal engagement shoot. Jenna & Adam’s reception will be hosted at a beautiful venue (and another of Split’s favorites), Foundations for the Carolinas.
Digital versions of the Veronica & Chip's feature can be found on CarolinaBride.com ... read more »

1. The Big Dances – for example: the Father/Daughter, Mother/Son and of course, the very first dance for the newlyweds. The music selected for these dances will absolutely set the tone for the rest of your wedding so be sure to select songs that are personal to you and your spouse. Often, brides and grooms think asking the DJ or researching lists online will lead to the perfect song but for these few dances, a personal touch is absolutely essential.
2. Reception Tunes – make sure your DJ (or band) understands exactly what kind of reception party you imagined. If you want them to get the crowd on the dance floor, allow them the freedom to make creative decisions about what to play next. Giving the entertainer a few “guidelines” as far as songs you would love to hear and those you don’t want played will allow them to build the best party for both you and your guests.
3. Last Song – choosing the last song of the night is almost as important as the first! While your DJ may have some great suggestions, use the advice to select a song that will leave a lasting impression for you, your partner and your guests.
Music is going to be a large part of your big day so be sure to set the tone you want to see with your entertainment. If you can squeeze in one more song after the ‘last song’ of your reception, give you and your new spouse one last dance... read more »

While he may be a more recent addition to the Split Second Sound team, DJ Mike Nania is making a major impression with his 25+ years in DJ and event experience. DJ Mike City, as the team calls him, is quickly gaining rave reviews from vendors and clients alike.
Starting at the age of 14 as a DJ for parties, Mike eventually was able to start his own company, DJ/MCing for weddings, Proms and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs in 1990.
Originally from the New York/New Jersey metro area, Mike recently relocated to North Carolina with his wife and 3 boys: Michael, 13, Nicholas, 9 and Andrew, 7.
... read more »

There is a definite advantage to having a broadly-cultured, experienced crew of DJs! We love the fact that each of our clients are different in so many ways and we look forward to matching the best fitting DJ to each diverse event.
After all, what better way to celebrate your unique culture than having someone who can relate to you and your family as the host of your wedding reception?
With DJ’s from both the North and South we understand what a ‘Northern’ wedding means.
Many of our DJ’s and assistants speak different languages from Spanish to Italian and even Russian. With experience in several cultures, many of our DJs spend hours preparing for an event by studying the culture they are about to be a part of for the evening. Split Second Sound matches each event with the best-suited DJ to deliver... read more »

It is a common theme to have a DJ at a wedding but what about all of the other gatherings that go on throughout the year? Birthday parties, proms, corporate events, bar/bat mitvahs, pool parties – the list could go on and on. If you think an iPod will do, we beg to disagree. We say, if you want people to dance and have a good time, don’t trust a machine, hire a DJ! Here are three reasons why:
1) Range of music – chances are, if you are gathering a large amount of people for one event, then there will be a wide range of personalities in the crowd. DJ’s are equipped with thousands upon thousands of music options to please everyone and if they don’t have it, they can get it!
2) Experience – those who are familiar with the flow of an event know that there is a lot more to an evening than just playing music and letting the people dance. There are elements to an event than only those who are experienced will know how... read more »

Split Second Sound recently spent an exciting evening with our good friend, Ivy Robinson of Ivy Robinson Events at Emily Maynard’s beautiful wedding.
Ivy Robinson, known for her unique design skills and for adding her personal touch to each event, originally from Elizabeth City, NC, is the recipient of countless event planning awards. In Charlotte for 11 years, Ivy has been received recognition with awards such as Best of Event Planner North Carolina, the BOB (Best of Best in Charlotte), and the BOW (Best of Weddings in Charlotte). She has been featured in the Knot National and BRIDES Magazine, has appeared on local CBS, NBC and FOX stations along with regular appearances on the Style Network. Ivy was recently interviewed by Carolina Bride and Charlotte Wedding magazines, she guest lectures at UNC-Charlotte every semester and has won the Best of Educational Program award (twice) from NACE (National Association for Catering and Events).
With a list of achievements like Ivy’s, it is no wonder that Emily approached her to lend her talented hand in planning her big day. Planned in only 12 weeks, Ivy kept all details hush-hush as engagement party invites were sent for the soon-to-be bride & groom! All of the guests were in for a big surprise when they arrived in Sharon, SC at the family property of groom, Tyler... read more »

“Vendors are afraid of the unknown; we want to change
that so we can reveal the positive effect that working as a community can have
on the wedding industry.”
-Vinny Esposito, Co-Owner of Split Second Sound
Split Second Sound has always
been an advocate of promoting other professionals within Charlotte’s wedding
and event industry. After 13 years, we decided to take this dedication to
another level and the Charlotte Wedding Insider organization was born in 2012.
Through CWI’s bi-monthly bridal panels, brides and grooms are able to learn
about planning their big day from Charlotte’s top wedding professionals while
the anonymous vendors on the panel are able to hear from the market’s current
brides and grooms. At the same time, CWI hosts seminars and educational
resources for vendors to understand the wedding industry and running their
businesses.
Split Second Sound is
confident in the mission built by Charlotte Wedding Insider and is excited
about continuing to assist in the growth and education of the wedding industry.
By bringing vendors and clients together, we continue to learn from each other
as well as our clients.
To find more information
about the Charlotte Wedding Insider mission or upcoming panels, check out www.CharlotteWeddingInsider.com!... read more »

12
Best Wedding Songs of 2014 (via The Knot)
We
know better than anyone that music is one of the best ways to amp up the energy
at your wedding and create a truly memorable experience! The Knot
recently published an article on the top weddings songs of 2014, so we thought
it was only appropriate to share them. Here they are and why we love
them!
1. “All of Me” John Legend… a super
romantic, heart-felt, emotional song that makes for the perfect first dance
song!
2. “Safe & Sound” Capital Cities… a
fun, energetic, upbeat melody that will have guests of all ages groovin’!
3. “XO” Beyonce… the perfect song
to get your guests on the dance floor, or to end the night with! The Knot
calls this song the 2014 version of Journey’s, ‘Don’t Stop Believing.’
4. “Treasure” Bruno Mars… (as if Bruno
Mars wasn’t enough) this super sweet and fun song is another great tune to get
guests of all ages on the dance floor! It’s the perfect sing-along song, too!
5. “Somebody Loves You” Betty Who… a
fun and upbeat dance song with sentimental lyrics to make it even more awesome!
6. “Happy” Pharrell… do we really have
to say anything about this song? It’ll make you and your guests want to
dance… happily!
7.
“Who You Love” John Mayer featuring Katy Perry… another amazing first dance
song that emphasizes both perspectives of a relationship. John and Katy do an
awesome job creating musical harmony in this sentimental duet.
8. “Same Love” Macklemore… a powerful
yet upbeat song that illuminates the importance of accepting love no matter the
circumstances.
9. “Closer” Tegan & Sara… as The
Knot refers... read more »

Spotlight: The Silk Veil
About
The Silk Veil…
Ivy Honeycutt is the
owner and planner at The Silk Veil.
Originally from Baltimore, MD, Ivy lives in Charlotte with her two
daughters. 2014 marks the 6th year she has been in business… “I
wanted to own my own business for years but wasn’t sure what. Then a girlfriend
of mine got engaged and I helped her start planning her wedding. It was kind of
scandalous because come to find out, he was already married and had a few kids.
I enjoyed planning so much that I went back to school and became a
Certified Bridal Consultant. A year later, I went through more schooling to
become a Certified Wedding planner.”
Do
you have a favorite season for events? Favorite type of wedding?
"I
like Fall Weddings because of the perfect wedding. I love ethnic weddings like
Indian or Nigerian because they are not afraid to use different colors. I love
the customs and traditions."
How
would you describe the style and personality behind your brand?
"I
am pretty laid back, yet silly. I am also blunt and to-the-point so you either
love me or not. I work with a lot of details and am great with budgets. We are
big on TEAMWORK since it takes all vendors to pull off a successful wedding. My
Company has a motto: EVERYONE DESERVES A FABULOUS WEDDING… so we work hard to
provide a service to meet most budgets. Some budgets we honestly can’t help and
that is where consultations can come in. We can guide you to the right vendors
and etc.”
What
are the most important things when it comes to finding a good event
designer/planner?
"COMMON
SENSE!! Then, someone... read more »

Monogram
It!
Did you know Split Second Sound offers custom
monograms? Monograms are the perfect way to add an elegant
personalized feel to your wedding or next event.
Our custom monograms can be displayed
on the dance floor, wall, or on the ceiling!
We use 750 watt theater lights to
display your initials, and after the event you get to take your custom-made
plate home. Monograms can be added on to any of our packages, and are
even included in some of our more detailed packages already.
Right now, we're offering great
specials on custom monograms! Contact
us to learn more,
or to set up
an appointment...
{ email } info@splitsecondsound.com
{ tel }
(704)
907-9507... read more »

About Carolina Video Productions…
Owner and videographer, Rick Kaplan has
over 20 years of experience videotaping weddings. He’s been here in
Charlotte for 15 years and spent 6 years in TV news gathering. “I love the creative side of
filming: the art that can be created, capturing that awesome moment… I love to
take those images and create a beautiful video with music. The shooting we do
is non-intrusive. The editing we do is not flashy/wild, it is classy. That is
why we have been doing this for so many years. We are not the new guys; we are the
creative, fun, reliable guys.”
How would you
describe the style and personality behind your brand?
“We are fun,
creative, energetic, reliable, nice artists.”
What are the most
important things when it comes to finding a good videographer? What are some
key points to consider when clients are trying to find... read more »

Spotlight: Dina Berg Blazek Events
We recently interviewed Dina Blazek,
owner of Dina
Berg Blazek Events, and one of Charlotte's most experienced and well
respected planners. Her events have been featured in The
Knot Magazine, Ballantyne Magazine and Premier Bride Magazine. In this Spotlight
Feature, Dina gives us the inside scoop on her experience as a planner, as well
as some great tips on what it takes to create the perfect event... check
it out!
About Dina…
Dina began her career at the
prestigious Standard Club in Chicago which is known for the most
fabulous Chicago weddings and high society Mitzvahs in the Midwest. From there,
Dina concentrated on corporate clients at Chicago’s Signature Room atop the
famous Hancock Building. In 2001, she continued her career at Charlotte’s
pristine Quail Hollow Club as the Club’s first Director of
Catering working with Charlotte’s most elite and the Wells Fargo Championship
golf tournament. In 2005, taking what she had learned Dina started Dina Berg Blazek Events with a
single goal of bringing the passion of details to every event she creates.
A referral-only business, Dina
Berg Blazek Events continues to grow each year.
Do you have a favorite season and type
of event?
"This
is a great question. I love all seasons but I like to embrace the season
we are in for that event. Meaning YES use peonies and
strawberries in May but please don’t have a caprese salad in January!"
How would you describe the style and
personality behind your brand?
"We
are fortunate to work in many venues in Charlotte but we have definitely been
branded as classic traditional. Our brides and their families tend to be
appreciative of all things Southern, traditional and classic with a little
twist of my Midwestern roots. Many of our brides have grown up here... read more »

Spotlight: Old South StudiosWe
recently interviewed Julie Staley, co-owner and lead photographer at Old South Studios.
She gives us some incredible advice and insight when it comes to choosing the
right photographer, and tells us a little about herself! Check it out…
Tell us a little about you…
"I was raised in a home where memories were
valued. My own Mom developed thousands of rolls of film documenting my
childhood, so photography was important to me from a young age. Once my
own children were born, my husband bought me my first digital camera and I soon
began capturing images for friends and family. I shot my first wedding in
2009 and was hooked. I continued to shoot family photography but my
interest in wedding photography began to outpace everything else. In
2010,... read more »

Andrew Matroni, Owner/Founder at QCC; Photo Credit: Richard IsraelShannon Cudmore, Director of Wedding & Events at QCC; Photo Credit: LunahZon Photography
We
recently interviewed Shannon Cudmore, Director of
Weddings and Events atQueen City Catering. Born and raised in New
Jersey, Shannon came down to Charlotte and started her own Event Planning
company. After selling her company, she partnered with Queen City Catering’s owner/founder, Andrew
Matroni. Before starting QCC, Andrew owned and operated several restaurants and
businesses. Shannon gave us the inside details and insight on what makesQueen City Catering such a phenomenal
company and why she loves working in the industry; check it out…
When
we asked Shannon if she had a favorite season and type of event, she said she
personally loved Spring and Summer for the weather, but when it comes to
weddings, the dead of Winter is the most romantic to her. “It’s so cold
out, people have to get closer!” She also said she prefers small, intimate
weddings; which fits right in with the personality behind ... read more »

Meet
Deb Hall, owner and designer at Olive
Paper. The team at Split Second Sound loves
Deb’s uniqueness and personality behind her brand, so we decided to do an
interview with her… here is what she had to say.
What
does Olive Paper offer? What inspires you as a designer?
“Olive
Paper is a custom invitation and design studio for all of your stationery,
invitation and brand identity needs. My inspiration comes from your
ideas, passions and personality. The product results in a one-of-a-kind
paper delight.”
Tell
us a little about yourself?
“I
was born and raised in South Georgia (Albany to be exact) and have now called
Charlotte, North Carolina home for over ten years. Coming from a family
of business owners and designers, it’s no surprise that Olive Paper has grown
from an idea to a... read more »

Spotlight Feature: Shelton Vineyards
Looking for a unique place for your next corporate or team building event? How about a fun and relaxing atmosphere to celebrate a birthday, engagement, anniversary or graduation? Maybe you just want to plan a mini weekend getaway with friends... Whatever the occasion, Shelton Vineyards is one of North Carolina’s most beautiful and memorable venues to host your next event!
We recently interviewed Aundrea Hopkins, Special Events Coordinator at the vineyard, and got the inside details on this delightful, family-owned venue. NC natives, Ed and Charlie Shelton are the owners behind the vineyard. Along with the vineyard, winery and on-site restaurant, Shelton Vineyards also offers private event spaces to accommodate parties of 2-100 guests. To learn more, about the team at... read more »

Spotlight Feature: The VanLandingham Estate Inn & Conference Center and The Morehead Inn
We recently interviewed Billy Maddalon, owner of two of Charlotte’s most beautiful and historic venues, The VanLandingham Estate and The Morehead Inn. These fabulous, southern-chic locations specialize in boutique lodging and event hosting for occasions of all size and style… here’s what he had to say!
1) How long have you been at The VanLandingham Estate and The Morehead Inn? What are your favorite things about each venue?
“We purchased Morehead in October of 1995 and VanLandingham Estate in February of 2000. Each venue has its own special appeal. For the Estate it’s clearly the vast grounds and gardens that I appreciate most. At Morehead, the building and architecture are just so distinct and unique. Everywhere you go you find little eccentricities. When you consider the history each of these locations has hosted, it really gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘if these walls could talk…’.”
2) What aspects and features make each venue so special? What are your favorite historical facts about... read more »

As the Operations Manager for Split Second Sound, there are many aspects of the business that I witness and manage first-hand. Luckily, I can rely on our well-trained and seasoned professionals to pull off the day-of the actual events with success. While I am not a DJ, I love that my career is now based on the business of our DJ’s and the events of our clients. Alas, there are only so many things that can be learned from ‘behind-the-desk’. It is hard to preach about a topic that you have not witnessed first-hand so for that reason, I attended and ‘assisted’ at an event with one of our top-requested and highly praised DJs: LeVar ‘Mista LG’ Gladden.
From the labor of carrying all the (HEAVY!) equipment, to learning how important an assistant’s connection with the lead can be, to learning how to throw a really GREAT party… to set up, to tear down and everything in between, my night was a lesson learned and brings me one step closer to understanding the ‘way of our DJs’.
Below are behind-the-scenes photos that provide a play-by-play of our event:LeVar is checking in with the office the moment that we got out of the car. I was actually 5 feet in front of him at first when he stopped and said 'hold on, got to check-in'. Even though I often handle weekend 'check-ins' for our DJs, I hadn't witnessed it from this side before so I was confused why he was stopping in the... read more »

Meet Kristi Martin, the Owner and Operator
of Feast Food Tours & Culinary Events. Kristi began building her hospitality
experience over 15 years ago. She’s
worked at the Morehead Inn, VanLandingham Estate Inn, and most recently, the
Westin Charlotte, as their Senior Catering Sales Manager. Kristi is also on the Board of Directors for ISES
(International Special Events Society), and has been a member since 2003!
Feast Food Tours & Culinary Events is a unique culinary-tourism and event company that provides Charlotte’s hospitality market to showcase their ever-growing number of talented culinary artisans and amazing local restaurants. “I wanted to put my passion for event planning, food/ beverage, tourism, and hospitality together to create that next step in my career… that’s when I found the culinary tourism industry and wanted to bring that to Charlotte.” -Kristi Martin
Kristi launched company as, “a fun, educational, and exclusive experiences for locals and visitors to explore the area through its culinary artisans, chefs, and farmers.” The company currently operates regularly scheduled walking food tours weekly each focusing on telling a story about a particular cuisine, geographical area, or provide a behind-the-scenes experience. Each tour showcases 6-8 restaurants and artisans with delicious food and beverage samples along the way. Martin says, “I do not want the tours to just be a “dine-around.” They are built to be a fun way to offer culinary education through an insider’s perception on a... read more »

It started on Wednesday day stopping by Bank of America stadium for some work on Game day music. Then to the new city office for an appointment. Over to the convention center by 2:15 to meet with Ana and the flash mob team for the next days event.After the practice, I was back at the city office for another meeting. Afterwards, I head back over to the convention center as I introduce Bradley to about 75 nurses from Chicago to teach them line dances.Thursday was an early start as I was back at the Convention center around 8am.Around 8:35, 2 dancers come crashing through the doors, the music starts and gradually people (dancers placed in the room) started to join in to a full scale dance production. An amazing team of dancers lead by Ana Ogbueze from the dance district agency.I then head to the city office to do some work, sit in a meeting and then head over to the Charlotte City Club for the 2nd Harvest food bank fund raiser "Wine, women & shoes", hosted by Natalie Pasquarella from WSOC TV news. Neil and I supplied sound, music, wireless mics, 2 - 50" TV's for the video presentations and up-lights for the room and stage.Friday was a little easier as it was catch up day as I was 2 days behind in emails. It started with an 11am lunch meeting in the city with Jonny, one of our top DJs. Even ran into Panther president Dr. Morrison and... read more »

LunahZon Photography, Wedding at The Ballantyne HotelNancy and Salim are the husband and wife team behind I Do Wedding Consulting, LLC. Along with their assistant planner Kelley, you'll be confident knowing that you have a team of professionals guiding you every step of the way. Their mission is to help you and your loved ones relax and enjoy the planning and allow you to kick back on the big weekend and simply be a guest at your own wedding!Caroline Ghetes Photography, Wedding at Roof With A ViewAs a boutique full-service planning company, they like to work with their clients from the very start. Its not just about planning the details, it’s about getting to know their brides and grooms on a personal level. They even have their clients over for a home cooked meal and some quality time. This level of dedication gives the I Do Team intimate knowledge of their client’s wishes... read more »

Old South Studios (formerly In His Image Photography by Julie) will host its 3rd annual Field of Dreams charity event on July 15, 2013. Any family in the Carolina with a child dealing with pediatric cancer is invited to their exclusive sunflower fields for complimentary family portraits on this night. Some of Charlotte's best photographers donate their time and talent to Field of Dreams to bring hope and joy back to these deserving families. DJ services provided by Split Second Sound add to the party feel of the evening along with kids' art stations, face painting and local professional cheerleaders too. Families enjoy free food, drink and amazing portraits and the event continues to grow every year. Old South Studios is expecting between 150-200 people to attend. To volunteer or sponsor the event, contact julie@oldsouthstudios.comTo learn more about Field of Dreams... read more »

This weeks vendor spotlight is all about Brian Bunn Films. What better way to learn about the man and the business than from the man himself?! Be sure to check out some of his videos here and here.After spending 15 years in the mining industry, I started looking at how grumpy allthe guys were that I worked with. It made me think... "there must be something else in lifeI can do besides this'.Although I disliked my job, I wanted to make sure my new career would be worth seeking out. So I went back to school thinking I would be a web developer. After graduation, I winded up doing some contract editing work for a very well known, local wedding videographer.Over a period of time, I started helping more... read more »

It's a big moment in anyone's life. You've been dating for a while and you know it... you just know it. The other person is the one. The one that you want to spend the rest of your life with. The one you want to grow old with. Now comes the hard part (besides picking out the ring): the proposal. Are you going to pop the question in a small, intimate setting? Or do you think a flash mob in Times Square is the way to go? Either way here are some ideas to get your mind thinking!Send your girlfriend on a treasure hunt. Start with a clue at home; then send her on a tour of your favorite spots all over town. When she gets to the last hint, the prize should be you on one knee. Write her a love note with the proposal at the end of it. Tuck it into her favorite book or the one she happens to be reading at the moment, and when she finds the note, surprise her with the ring.... read more »

Something old, something new Something borrowed, something blue And a silver sixpence in her shoe.
Each item in this poem represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy. "Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past.A picture from your parent's wedding.The bride used her bonnet from her First Communion. From the grandmother "Something new" means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead.Who doesn't love a new dress?"Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family.What a wonderful idea - borrow jewelry to make your wedding bouquet!!
As for the colorful item, blue has been connected to weddings for centuries. In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity. Christianity has long dressed the Virgin Mary in blue, so purity was associated with the color. Before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns, as evidenced in proverbs like, "Marry in blue, lover be true."LOVE this dress!! Something new & something blue in one!We love how these shoes have been modified for the wedding day.A stunning blue dress!!
And finally, a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents wealth and financial security. A sixpence is a coin that was minted in Britain from 1551 to 1967. It was made of silver and worth six pennies.... read more »

Studio White to Launch
Charlotte’s First Self-planning Wedding Studio; Changing the Way Carolina
Bride’s Plan their Wedding Day.
Charlotte entrepreneur and photographer, Cassandra Bradley is set to
launch Studio White; Charlotte’s first self planning wedding boutique in a
partnership with Alicia LaLone of Wedding Row Charlotte. (Charlotte’s premier
wedding resource blog.)
Studio White couples will be introduced to
the collaborative works of some of Charlotte's most talented wedding vendors under
one roof! Studio White is located in a gorgeous 1918 two story home that has
been converted into a self-planning studio on Central Avenue in the Historic Plaza-Midwood
neighborhood.
Studio White’s team developed the concept
based on not only their years of working in the wedding industry but their
experiences in planning their own weddings. Each thought ‘there has to be a
better,... read more »

In
our industry, like so many others, we are forever thankful for the
amazing relationships we form with other professional vendors. Every
Thursday we will feature vendors that we have worked with and highly
recommend. To be a professional means that you consistently deliver top
quality while maintaining strong professional relationships with your
clients and those in your industry. These professionals have been in the
industry for years, or they could be new to the field. They have
mastered their craft and come with a strong business plan. We have had
great success with these vendors.This week we are proud to feature Magnolia Room, Queen City Catering & Project Life Photography.The Magnolia Room
The Magnolia Room was established ten years ago
as Rock Hill’s premiere multipurpose event venue.
The 4,540 square foot ballroom is a timeless backdrop for weddings, corporate
and social functions. Offering convenient access, they are located 2 miles off of
I-77, just south of Charlotte.
Upon entering the
ballroom through... read more »

In our industry, like so many others, we are forever thankful for the amazing relationships we form with other professional vendors. Every Thursday we will feature vendors that we have worked with and highly recommend. To be a professional means that you consistently deliver top quality while maintaining strong professional relationships with your clients and those in your industry. These professionals have been in the industry for years, or they could be new to the field. They have mastered their craft and come with a strong business plan. We have had great success with these vendors.This week we are proud to feature Trump National Golf Club and Hall & Webb Event Design. Trump National Golf ClubTrump National Golf Club offers some of the most unforgettable places
for a wedding reception, luncheon, dinner or corporate event. Whether
you select the Lakefront Ballroom, the Meeting House, or the Function
Lawn, our staff will work with you to create an event that exceeds your
expectations and amazes your guests.
Their menus offer an array of dining choices, from a variety
of hors d’oeuvres, to buffets and plated meals. Their Chef will be pleased
to assist you in planning a custom menu to fit your needs. And, their
experienced staff will work with you every step of the way, counseling
you on every aspect of your event – from the flowers and decorations, to
the event layout and beverage selections.
Hall & Webb... read more »

Let's be honest - planning a wedding is difficult, stressful and
exhausting. You say "yes" to the ring and start to look at various
vendors. And then it hits. You're overwhelmed. As if the different
options were not enough, now you're swamped with new terminology. You
ask questions to gain a better understanding but feel like the person is
only trying to sell you on something else. It starts to feel like a crazy cycle. Thankfully,
wedding planning doesn't have to be that way. What if you could get
your questions answered without the sales pressure? What if you could
meet other brides and bounce ideas back and forth? What if you could sit
with some of Charlotte's top wedding professionals in one room and pick
their brain about your big day? Well, now you can. 96.1 & Carolina Bride are proud to sponsor ... A uniquely approached bridal panel on March. 12, 2013
at Byron's South End. Do you want to know
why photographers charge what they charge? What's the differences
between DJs - don't they all just play music? Why is there a cost
difference between a sit down dinner and a buffet? Come with your
questions to ask our panel of professional vendors with years of
experience and expertise in the wedding industry. Get your questions
answered in a no-sales, safe environment.... read more »

In our industry, like so many others, we are forever thankful for the
amazing relationships we form with other professional vendors. Every
Thursday we will feature vendors that we have worked with and highly
recommend. To be a
professional means that you consistently deliver top quality while
maintaining strong professional relationships with your clients and
those in your industry. These professionals have been in the industry
for years, or they could be new to the field. They
have mastered their craft and come with a strong business plan. We have
had great success with these vendors.
This week we are excited to feature Charlotte City Club, Whitney Photo & Video and Artisan
Ice Sculptures.
Charlotte City Club
The Charlotte City Club provides a special place for social and business
activities and the best in fine and casual dining in a tastefully
elegant setting. For information about weddings, be sure to check out their FAQ section of their website.
Whitney Photo & Video
Whitney Photo & Video was
established by Ben & Kisha Whitney after being inspired by their
wedding photographer in Puerto Rico. From that moment they knew that
weddings were their PASSION. Ben & Kisha strive to capture the
essence of each couple as they tell their story in both photos and video
to create elegant, romantic and stylized images and video. For Ben
& Kisha, capturing weddings is not just about the wedding day, it’s
about the process, the growing and nurturing of a relationship as a
couple begins their life as husband and... read more »

In our industry, like so many others, we are forever thankful for the
amazing relationships we form with other professional vendors. Every
Thursday we will feature vendors that we have worked with and highly
recommend. To be a professional means that you consistently
deliver top quality while maintaining strong professional relationships
with your clients and those in your industry. These professionals have
been in the industry for years, or they could be new to the field. They
have mastered their craft and come with a
strong business plan. We have had great success with these vendors.
This week we are excited to feature Firethorne Country Club and Carolina Video Productions.
Firethorne Country Club is the ideal location
to host your upcoming wedding or special event. Their professional staff
will work with you to customize your event from start to finish. Their
beautifully landscaped grounds and facilities are a perfect backdrop to
any event, and they will work with you to help plan an event that will be
one to remember.
For your elegant affair, they have many options, from their custom
designed menus, personal table chefs, and an array of gourmet foods. They
want to show your guests the quality and service that their members have
come to know and expect. Their expert chefs will create an exquisite meal that includes hors d'
oeuvres, pasta, seafood, meats, fruits, cheeses and vegetables. Their
renowned Chef Arthur Albion will be glad to provide you with a
spectacular layout of foods and desserts. Whatever your needs, give them... read more »

Your wedding is just that - YOUR wedding. You can do your wedding your way. Do you want to do something other than the traditional vows? Well, how about incorporating a little Dr. Seuss into your ceremony!Groom:
I will love you on the sea
I will love you in a tree
I will love you here and there
I will love you everywhere.
Bride:
I will love you everyday
I will love you come what may
I will love you more than pie
I will love you 'til I die.
Groom:
On the sea, in a tree.Bride:
Every day, come what may.
Bride & Groom:
I will love you here and there.
I will love you everywhere.Minister:
Then if you'll take her as your wife,
And if you'll love her all your life,
And if you'll have, and if you'll hold,
From now until the stars grow cold,
And if you'll love through good and bad,
And whether you're happy or sad,
And love in sickness, and in health,
And when you're poor, and when in wealth,
And if you'll love with all your heart,
From now until death do you part,
Yes, if you'll love her through and through,
Please answer with these words:
"I do."A little more Dr. Seuss inspiration ..... ... read more »

In our industry, like so many others, we are forever thankful for the amazing relationships we form with other professional vendors. Every Thursday we will feature vendors that we have worked with and highly recommend. To be a professional means that you consistently deliver top quality while maintaining strong professional relationships with your clients and those in your industry. These professionals have been in the industry for years, or they could be new to the field. They have mastered their craft and come with a strong business plan. We have had great success with these vendors.This week we are excited to feature LunahZon Photography and The Mint Museum.LunahZon Photography - From Jeremy and DebbyLunahZon Photography is a pair of digital media artists (Jeremy &
Debby) that choose to
use photographs as their base canvas (aka - we're funky photographers).
Tradition is something we like to toss out of windows quite frequently
as it causes bad cases of the "bleh"s. We aren't overly
stiff in what we do and love vibrant personalities! We sometimes go by
“LZP” and love long walks on the beach at night. We're in love with
each other, and with the world. We're highly positive and we will fight
to banish any negative vibes. We love colors, brilliance and making
our clients our own friends and family. We love people who love the
camera, and we love people who want to take things to the next level.
We believe that your memories are worth capturing, and love... read more »

Brides are always looking for inspiration. From color schemes to themes, brides try to plan their day around colors or an idea. We see David Tutera do this every week on 'My Fair Wedding'. We wanted to help out all the brides by giving you a little inspiration. All these ideas were pulled from Pinterest. Beautiful spring idea! We could see adding daisies to this theme!We could see this being done in the spring at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens!! Love the vase with the orange slices!!! Cute party favors! Wonder if they are white chocolate... Bridesmaid dress looks beautiful and very fun to spin in! That cake is gorgeous!! We love the place setting!! And that flower girl?! Adorable!! The cupcakes would be great instead of one large cake!The drinks in the older bottles with the straws are great! We could see this at a beautiful spring wedding. From the bottles, to the flower balls and the place setting - Love!... read more »

In our industry, like so many others, we are forever thankful for the amazing relationships we form with other professional vendors. Every Thursday we will feature vendors that we have worked with and highly recommend. To be a professional means that you consistently deliver top quality while maintaining strong professional relationships with your clients and those in your industry. These professionals have been in the industry for years, or they could be new to the field. They have mastered their craft and come with a strong business plan. We have had great success with these vendors.This week we are featuring The Levine Museum of the New South, La-Tea-Da's Catering and Tommy McCart Photography.Tommy McCart Photography - The Levine Museum of the New South BlogThe Levine Museum of the New South
When planning a wedding, corporate
functions, or other important events, consider Levine Museum of the New
South. With space to accommodate groups from 6 to 600, we have something
that will fit your needs.
The
Museum offers several options. The New South Lobby and Sally Dalton
Robinson Atrium are designed with a wall of glass windows and dramatic
staircase that allows access to the second floor. Marble flooring, high
ceilings, skylights, and wooden dance floor are the perfect accents for
receptions and parties.
Harris
Hall serves as a flexible, multi-purpose room that can accommodate a
variety of functions. Ideal for lectures, seminars, training sessions,
and meals. Coupling Harris Hall with the Atrium allows space for dining
as well as cocktails and dancing.
Tommy... read more »

Fort Mill Photography at The Dairy BarnIn our industry, like so many others, we
are forever thankful for the amazing relationships we form with other
professional vendors. Every Thursday we will feature vendors that we
have worked with
and highly recommend. To be a professional means that you consistently
deliver top quality while maintaining strong professional relationships
with your clients and those in your industry. These professionals have
been in the industry for years, or they could
be new to the field. They have mastered their craft and come with a
strong business plan. We have had great success with these vendors.Fort Mill Photography2013 marks the 10th year in business for
Fort Mill Photography. Owners Dave and Shirley Wedra say their approach to
photography is quite simple. Foster a relaxed environment where clients can be
themselves, offer professional guidance where needed and become your client's
trusted advisor. Making sure their clients utilize their talent and experience
is the goal at every wedding they photograph. With well over 300 weddings
photographed since 2003 that approach has worked to make Fort Mill Photography
one of the most well-respected photography studios in the area. Dave and Shirley
are humbled when they say they could not be more proud of the extraordinary
reputation that they and their photography team have achieved over this
time.Fort Mill PhotographyGoing into 2013 the... read more »

Today we would like to help out all you DIY brides and those brides who want to add some handcrafted items to your wedding. These are some "made with love" items we thought would be great for an upcoming spring/summer wedding. For the ceremony These would be beautiful on any church door! PinterestFor all those brides planning a country rustic wedding, these would be adorable as a junior bridesmaid or flower girl bouquet. PinterestDo you need a cute and different way to add in 'something blue'? This might be one way to do it!PinterestMaybe planning an outside wedding on the beach and flip flops are not dressy enough? How about this cute idea? PinterestFor the reception Super cute idea for a card box! And soon the boxes from Valentine's Day will be on sale!PinterestA cute and inexpensive design option for table numbers! After the reception you can use the frames in your house to display images from your wedding. Pinterest This would be a wonderful keepsake for the newlyweds! A different twist on the traditional guestbook.PinterestThese glasses would be wonderful for the first toast!!PinterestBeautiful non-floral flowers turned into a centerpiece! I can't believe they are not real flowers! ... read more »

One of the many great things about our industry is the amazing friendships we have developed through the years. Prior to The Bridal Showcase we were invited to a fun networking event where we saw many of our great friends. This event is wonderful! It gives us a chance to see one another and catch up before the bridal show. Enjoy these pictures from our night out! Thanks for the photographs Critsey Rowe!Please help us thank these amazing sponsors:
Armin's Catering
Belk
Carmen CarmenCake Expressions by LisaCarolina Weddings and Events
C'leb EntertainmentCrave Dessert Bar and RestaurantCritsey Rowe PhotographyHall and Webb Event DesignParty ReflectionsSky's the LimitStrike a pose photo booth
The Bridal ShowcaseThe Place for FlowersThree Little BirdsTimm Young FilmsHosted by Margaret Hooks of Carolina Weddings and Events and Critsey Rowe of Critsey Rowe Photography... read more »

You've said yes to the ring. Now, it's time to say yes to the dress. On February 15 - 16 J.Major's Bridal Boutique will be hosting a Martina Liana trunk show. The Martina Liana line comes from Australian designers Martine Harris and Leanne Collova. Their gowns are well-known as an international bridal fashion label.“A bridal gown is more than just something a bride will wear once. She
will replay the memories of her day in her mind for years to come and
pictures of her will be passed down for generations. A bride’s love
story inspires us and this is why Leanne and I love creating magical and
unforgettable gowns. “Leanne and I had a vision to create a bridal fashion label that blended
couture customization and quality with exquisite design. We are proud
that this vision has been brought to life through Martina Liana. Each
new collection is even more captivating than the last and we feel
validated by the amazing response this label has received from brides
across the world.” - Martine HarrisAll Martina Liana gowns will be discounted during the trunk show. This will be a popular show so be sure to call them asap to book your appointment. They can be reached at (704) 372-0082.... read more »

In our industry, like so many others, we are forever thankful for
the amazing relationships we form with other professional vendors. Every
Thursday we will feature vendors that we have worked with and highly
recommend. To be a professional means that you consistently deliver top
quality while maintaining strong professional relationships with your
clients and those in your industry. These professionals have been in the
industry for years, or they could be new to the field. They have
mastered their craft and come with a strong business plan. We have had
great success with these vendors. This week we will be
featuring Old South Studios and The Place for Flowers. Old South Studios is one of NC's fastest growing photography studios.
Formerly known at In His Image Photography by Julie, the company has
rebranded in 2013 and added more talented lead photographers to their
team. Their photography style is a blend of timeless, classic
storytelling and modern wedding photojournalism. The company's
co-owners, Julie and Andrew Staley, are based in Charlotte with
additional lead photographers in Greensboro, NC and Hilton Head, SC too.
They have enjoyed 7 straight featured weddings in Carolina Bride magazine
and will capture their 100th wedding this year. Julie Staley,
co-owner, says their typical bride is "sentimental, Southern,
family-oriented and will put her monogram on anything that's not
moving!" They look forward to telling beautiful love stories in the
Carolinas, GA, VA and beyond in... read more »

Brides use to smell. Wait, what?!Yes, you read that right. Brides use to smell. Today's luxury of hot showers and baths didn't always exist. Brides and their families would do whatever they could to make the bride smell at least somewhat tolerable on her wedding day. This led to the bride carrying a bunch of herbs tied together. Years later, orange blossoms were added to the mix. This eventually evolved into what we know as the bridal bouquet. Wedding flowers are an important elements of your big day. Not only do they provide color and scent, but they symbolize life, growth, and rebirth. Behind the dresses, wedding flowers are also a conversation starter and create a definite atmosphere.Just like any professional wedding vendor, it is important to book your florist in advance. It's not unheard of to book your florist at least a year in advance. Think about all the places you could and might use flowers: Rehearsal dinner, ceremony site, bridesmaids and groomsmen, reception site, cake and centerpieces. It takes time to plan and design each of those elements. The more time you have with the florist, the more time you have to get your desired result. And be sure to tell the florist if you're planning on doing a bridal portrait session! Not only is that a good test run for your dress, hair and makeup, but it's a great time to have the florist design a version... read more »

The MDA, Muscular Dystrophy Association is near and dear to me and my family.MDA
is the worlds largest nongovernmental sponsor of research seeking the
causes of, and effective treatments for, neuromuscular diseases. The
MDA sponsors some 300 research projects annually.We are fortunate to
have the MDA National Goodwill Ambassador, Bryson Foster, live here in
Concord, NC. I have come to know him and he is one of the most amazing
kids I have ever met. He is a great representative of the MDA and I’m
proud to know him.My Father had MD and some of my other family members have it too. I
myself have MD, it’s called Myotonic Dystrophy. I typically don’t talk
about it or publicize it because the average person wouldn’t really
know it unless I said something. My situation is nothing compared to
others that are in wheelchairs and or require other assistance to help
them. I’m fortunate that I’m not in a wheelchair and do not yet need leg braces or a cane as my father needed. Because I’m blessed with the gift of being a DJ and have an outgoing personality I wanted to help the MDA.I
have been volunteering my service for the MDA for many years and I do
it for the kids. They’re amazing! Even with their... read more »

In our industry, like so many others, we are forever thankful for
the amazing relationships we form with other professional vendors. Every
Thursday we will feature vendors that we have worked with and highly
recommend. To be a professional means that you consistently deliver top
quality while maintaining strong professional relationships with your
clients and those in your industry. These professionals have been in the
industry for years, or they could be new to the field. They have
mastered their craft and come with a strong business plan. We have had
great success with these vendors. This week we will be
featuring The Ritz Carlton, Kristin Vining Photography and Crown Alley Films. The following was taken from the Ritz site: "The
Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte combines contemporary, sophisticated style, an
ideal uptown location and impeccable Ritz-Carlton service to present
Charlotte’s most sought-after wedding venue. From the
spectacular Ritz-Carlton Ballroom to smaller intimate and romantic
wedding venues. The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte presents magnificent options
for Charlotte
weddings and receptions. The dramatic, atrium-inspired elegance of The
Urban Garden directly adjoining the hotel offers another possibility for
unique wedding receptions with a glass-roofed, multi-setting space.[Their] creative team is dedicated to delivering an inspiring, seamless
experience that is uniquely yours. You may also experience a dramatic
new wedding planning creative process at our spectacular Design Studio –
the next generation in wedding creative visualization."When
you walk into their Design... read more »

Wedding cakes have a fascinating history, with the earliest
references dating back to nuptials in the Roman Empire. The wedding cake
and its significance have radically changed over the centuries, but the
principal of having a cake at a wedding has always remained. Roman
wedding cakes were made by baking a mixture of wheat or barley (symbols
of prosperity and fertility) and salt into small cakes - rather like
large bread rolls. Originally, guests would throw these cakes at the
bride to bestow good wishes on her. Later in the Roman era, this became
one wedding cake, and the groom would eat a piece of the wedding cake
and then break the remainder over his bride's head (wedding
traditionalists may wish to note this point - but we don't recommend it
with today's wedding dresses and cake productions!). The significance of
this would be as a sign of good fortune and fertility in the future.
Following the groom breaking the cake over his bride, the wedding
guests would gather around to take a small piece of the broken wedding
cake for themselves, they believed this to bestow good fortune on
themselves. This sharing of the wedding cake created the concept that
has continued over centuries to the modern tradition of sharing the
wedding cake with loved ones and guests.
A further reason for this Roman tradition of breaking the cake
over the bride's head was that it brought benefits to any children born
to the couple later in their married life. Not... read more »

Be sure to check out Dennis' blog about a Christmas-themed wedding at The Owl's Eye Vineyard & Winery. Here is the blog! Thank you to The Owl's Eye Vineyard & Winery for another successful event! We are looking forward to working with you again in the future!... read more »

Who doesn't love beautiful uplighting? It's one of the most
overlooked decor elements when planning but it can take any room from
ordinary to extraordinary. Not to mention that it helps set the mood and
it makes a beautiful backdrop for pictures! Or have you thought about
having a picture montage at your reception? Treat your guest to a
slideshow that tells your love story. Now, who would like to win a free uplighting or TV rental for their wedding day?Email us a picture of you and your significant other (email to split2ssdj@gmail.com) by January 9, 2013 at 11:59pm. On January 10, 2013 all pictures will be placed in a Facebook gallery. You will then have till the end of the month to get as many "votes" as you can. How
do you get votes? Tell people about it on Facebook, email your friends,
blog about it, tweet away, tell Fox News ... Get creative!
Get
people to vote for your picture by becoming a fan of Split Second Sound
Facebook page and clicking on the "like"
button underneath your photo within the contest folder. Only the
"like/thumbs up" votes will count -
but we are all for leaving comments as well! The voting will end on
January 31, 2013, with the winner announced the following day.
The winner will receive a 12 free uplight rental for their wedding or a free 42" TV rental (you pick!)
All the legal stuff:
1.
All photo entries must be emailed to Split2ssDJ@Gmail.com... read more »

It is a time of reflection. A time to hold our families a little closer. A time to create those memories that last a lifetime. This past week has been rough. As we read the newspaper, or flip through the television, we are reminded of how precious and delicate life can be. As the community in Newtown begins to healing they are hanging on to memories. Memories of how things use to be; memories of their loved ones. Those memories will help guide them on the long road ahead of them. Here at Split Second Sound we are forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of so many memories. The song that was played as you walked down the aisle to your husband, the moment you realized he was fighting back the tears. The song you and your friends danced to at the start of the Panthers game. The song you and your father shared at your reception. We are honored to be a part of those memories. We recently had the pleasure of helping create some tender memories for some fathers and daughters at Myers Park Country Club. The club was transformed to Wonderland and all the classic characters from "Alice in Wonderland" were on hand to make the evening magical. Along with providing the entertainment for the night, our very own Jonny was also The Mad Hatter! To read more about Jonny's experience that night please visit his blog. We know... read more »

October 23rd was a very busy day for Split Second Sound. It started with owner and Panther Game day DJ Vinny Esposito and Bradley Havens working an NFL Play 60 event with 4 Carolina Panther that included Steve Smith and Jordan Gross. The event had about 800 kids enjoying a game show atmosphere with the players.At the "Take a slice out of cancer" fundraising event that featured Carolina Panther LB's James Anderson, Luke Keuchly & Jon Beason making pizza. Fox TV personalities Morgan Fogarty & Kelli Bartik were on hand as well.... read more »

SSS hosted another vendor appreciation party for the industry professionals. This party featured bars and lounge furniture supplied by AFR, Linens, tables and staging by Party Reflections, Catered food by La Tea Da's and Triple Crown and lighting by Eye Dialogue. Also participating was Shutterbooth, P. A. Reavis Designs, Fort Mill Photography, Tommy McCart Photography and Brian Bunn Video. The crowd was treated to a special appearance by the legendary band Chairmen of the Board with a special guest performance from 2012 American Idol top 40 contestant Josh Sanders. DJ Jonah from the SSS staff took over to close out the night. Another huge highlight of the night was Fox News Edge broadcasted live from the party with hosts Matt Harris and Joey Hewell.... read more »

The 2012 Evie wards in Charlotte were held at the Blake hotel and Split Second Sund had the honor of supplying the after awards entertainment for the event industry leaders. An event that was suppose to end at 10pm, ended at 11:30 as they danced all night. The theme was Steampunk and the decor was off the hook.... read more »

Split Second Sound is using it's resources to help educate future brides and grooms about the benefits of using wedding professionals. Movies like the Wedding singer and the Wedding Planner do not give the real image of what work and details go on behind the scenes. Not every "Wedding DJ is cheesy" and just playing songs doesn't guarantee people will dance. Wedding planners handle a lot of un-glamouros jobs and tasks to pull off a great wedding and often their true value is never realized by brides until afterwards. Photography is not just point and shoot. Angles, lighting, being at the right spot at the right time. Knowing what pictures capture the essence of the reception/event. It is truly an art form. In talking with local professionals, educating clients is the key as the brides and grooms just don't know enough to make all the right decisions. TV and something slanted advice has colored their view on what they need or they believe their tight budget restricts them. No matter what the budget, using professionals on every level helps make the event complete. Professional vendors come in all different price ranges as services vary. Vendors use the analogy that if 1 part doesn't work correctly, it effects the rest of the parts in making a great event and experience. When working with professionals (experienced and/or have a solid business practice), things run smoother and the value the end client and guests receive are so much higher. We are hoping... read more »

Having a party motivator at your event can help motivate your guests to
dance and have a great time, without being obnoxious. They help
communicate to your guests to make sure they like the music, it isnt too
loud and get requests of what they want to hear. ... read more »

A few months ago Scott Clark Toyota did a contest to promote ten local businesses. Split Second Sound was lucky enough to be one of the ten businesses to be on their billboard for the month of November !! ... read more »

Split Second Sound has been awarded the 2012 pick for the Knots "Best of Weddings". Thank you to all of our clients and vendors we have worked with !!! A very big thank you to our staff, without all of you we would not have won this 3 years in a row. Congratulations to all the other winners as well !!!! ... read more »

On Sunday, October 2nd three of our DJs were at the Charlotte Motor Speedway for the bridal show. I hope all the brides that attended had a great time and got a chance to meet Jonny, Jonah or Steve. ... read more »

Thank you to the Levine Museum of the New South for letting us hold our staff meeting in their venue.It is great to get all of our staff in one room for some learning and of course a little fun. We played a game so our lead DJs could get to know all of the assistants better. Thank you to Jere Dotten for taking the time to come take pictures of all our staff. We will post some pictures soon. ... read more »

Panthers vs. Packers game on 9/18. This is part of the half time show. What a view Vinny has from the press box !!!! Vinny and LeVar had the pleasure of helping the TopCats with their music for the halftime show. ... read more »

On September 10, 2011 David Tutera was in Charlotte for a wedding. He did basketball player Chris Paul's wedding at the Ballantyne Hotel. Diane was lucky enough to run into him while having lunch !!... read more »

Every month, Split Second Sound's top lead DJ's and some top assistants
hold training workshops, go over upcoming events and cross train each
other on various styles and new technology. This meeting was hosted by
the Hilton University in Charlotte.... read more »

Split Second Sound was recently featured on Fox News Rising during bridal week leading up the the big royal wedding in England. First, Vinny spun the tunes for the Friday dance party that Split is now a weekly sponsor of. Shortly afterwards, Vinny & Diane were interview live by Fox on air personality Derek James.Featured in the Picture is Tyler, Derek James, Corey, Diane, Vinny and Anna Kooiman.Vinny & Diane getting mic'd up right before the live interview.... read more »

Joey and Vinny set up uplighting throughout the Duke Mansion and a remote TV in the Martini lounge with a 2nd system and then in the main party room a full DJ and light set up with AV. The cake was supplied by the famous Cake Boss (TLC) and Jeff Corwin handle some of the MC work.... read more »

The Split Team of Vinny, Levar and Neil (along with Anthony, Diane and Jordan R) were on hand to entertain at the May-Vargas wedding. Sean is a former NBA Charlotte Bobcat and is now playing for the NY Nets. Featuring the AV package with live video feed to enhance the live dancing, the swag surfing was on this night as guests (and Sean and Grace) packed dance floor until the end of the night. The beautiful Ritz Carlton and their exceptional staff delivered an amazing night with the guidance of Weddings and the City top planner Tiffany Ratliff. Kristin Vining was snapping the shots (pix below) and KA Studios shot the video and a Place for Flowers handled the decor. Top vendors all around.... read more »

Vinny and Joey teamed up for a huge Italian wedding at the Ballantyne hotel. Working with Jen Cole and her staff, Rick and Brian from One true light photography and our good buddy Rick Kaplan from Carolina Video who came down to get some shots of us. John Thomas and Christina, WOW. What a wedding!... read more »

On Thursday, June 24th, the
world’s first nonprofit wedding wish granting organization, Wish
Upon a Wedding threw a launch party for the Carolinas chapter. Their
mission is to provide weddings at destinations across the United
States for individuals facing life-threatening illness. Wish Upon A
Wedding provides a chance
for couples to enjoy a very special day, without any thoughts
of existing health issues, while surrounded by their closest family and
friends.A lot of the top event and
wedding industry professionals were on hand, dedicating their goods and
services for the cause. Those who helped sponsor the event were
displayed on our large screen, and we happened to get a shot of our logo
while it was being displayed.Here, LeVar, one of our very
talented lead MC/DJ's, motivates the crowd to enjoy themselves as he
showcases his natural gift on the microphone. DJ Neil in the background,
providing all of the music entertainment for the event.Back right, behind the DJ booth:
Electronics extraordinaire/Master of music, DJ Neil.Back row, left to right: Owner/DJ
Vinny Esposito, Lead MC/DJ Dennis, "Mista LG" a.k.a. Lead MC/DJ LeVar,
Party motivator/DJ Assistant Ben.Middle row, left to right: Owner Diane Esposito, Lead MC/DJ
Rashaad, Talent-in-the-making Tyler Esposito.Front row: Young, driven, MC/DJ of the
future Corey EspositoWe would like to thank all of our fellow sponsors!Asheville WinesBarnhardt ManufacturingBest Impressions CateringBig View DinerBio SelectCarolina Wedding DesignCharlotte FloralCheesecake EtcChildress KleinClassic Party... read more »

Split Second Sound is very fortunate to work with so many professionals with vision, talent and great work ethics in the Charlotte area as well as some outside areas. It not only makes us better, but we know our clients are going to get the very best care (and the jobs are fun too). Some people may think it's easy to plan a wedding, to decorate it, to take creative pictures or have the perfect flow to an event. Even after a 1000 weddings in the last 5 years, we can honestly say it's not! One reason Split won't consider taking on Photography, Videography, planning or anything else, because we are truly not professionals in those areas. We don't just do things because you can charge a few bucks. Working with true artists, as I call them, is a pleasure and makes us even better which in turn make the entire event better.A true wedding/event professional has a certain talent, a knack for making things work out, for working with other professionals and bringing out the best in everyone involved. They care, it's their living. Their name and reputation goes into every event and every referral when they tell their client about another industry professional.Not every event goes according to plan. But to the guest and client, you will never know if you have a professional as your vendor. The ends results are almost always perfect... read more »

The All Star crew was out tonight. Keith from KA Studios was filming, Thomas Geist was taking the shots, Jonathan from a Place for Flowers set the decor at the Renaissance South Park tonight. This was a long wedding. Ceremony at 5:30. Ending at 1am. And they stayed until the end. Awesome gig.Eric mixing away.The Brides wearing Cowboys boots.... read more »

Neil, also known as "DJ Cleer" when he's not on a wedding or prom but DJ'ing a bar or club. Dancer from the Split Second Sound Express dance team Mary and a bunch of other Split staff members joined Neil as he mixed the tunes at Nolen Kitchen in Myers Park.... read more »

On Thursday 3.18.2010 Split Second Sound provided the music and entertainment for a networking event hosted by the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce at Ballas Chiropractic. It was a great event with plenty of food and drinks, and Split Second Sound playing the tunes to help people unwind and enjoy the laid back atmosphere. We brought out our crew,... read more »

Italians are known for family being a huge part of their special day and Nicole and Bruce's wedding was no exception. The reception was held at the beautiful Ballantyne Hotel and Erin Hunter and her staff did a fantastic job as usually from service, to great food, to the room set up. The very creative Blair Phillips and his wife were on hand to take the snap shots. Blair is like a predator, just looking for the best shot and quickly, it's done and he's got it, capturing every great moment. Darin and Chris from Cinematrimony were filming every move of the wedding and the reception. If you don't know, he looks like Vinny's twin!There are so many great vendors in the city of Charlotte and we are so fortunate to work with them all on a regular basis. The entertainers for this wedding were Vinny & Joey (yes, the 2 Italians from NY) and new staff member Sam Shea.... read more »